Tag Archives: Next Avenue

Post navigation

As your PBS station, it is KLRU’s mission to bring people together around important issues. KLRU does this through various educational and outreach initiatives. Our newest effort is a national collaboration called Next Avenue that features resources and an online discussion of issues facing those 50+. As part of that project we are also airing, Growing Bolder Sundays at 10:30 am on KLRU. Growing Bolder delivers empowering stories that inspire audiences of all ages to believe that it’s never too late to achieve their dreams. It features stories of masters athletes, cancer survivors, musicians, health experts, entrepreneurs and more.

Upcoming episodes:

11/4: “Little Miracles”
Three Promises – One moment Carolyn and Chad Moor were celebrating their love. The next, he lay dying, the victim of a hit-and-run car accident. During their final moments, Carolyn made three promises that she’s spent many years and tears trying to keep. Hers is a story of Growing Bolder in the face of heartbreaking loss. See how she learned to live and even laugh again and how her story even caught the attention of Oprah Winfrey. Enjoying Life’s Little Miracles – She’s not really an athlete. She’s a retired biologist who loves adventure. That’s why 96-year-old Mary Anne Cooper traveled from British Columbia to Arizona to compete in the U.S. Masters Swimming National Championships. Mary Anne isn’t trying to be a role model or set an example, but with every stroke, she’s doing just that. She even inspired her 70-year-old daughter to also compete at Nationals. Free Throw King – Andy McGuffin is the best there is. Mr. Automatic. The Free Throw King once made 400 in a row. Bill Shafer goes one-on-one with Andy to learn the secrets to his success.

11/11: “Head Of The Pack”
From Mission Trips to Mission Statements – More and more Americans are taking a page from Paul Newman’s book and starting a social enterprise — a business you love as a means to helping others. After many mission trips, Jane Hursh felt obligated to share the blessings of her life. So she turned to a lifelong love — baking cookies. Now with her shortbread, biscotti and granola, Jane is using something sweet to change bitter circumstances. 97 Years of Saving Lives – At the time, it was just a simple, selfless act. The right thing to do. Seventy years later, a young Army captain’s good idea is responsible for saving countless lives. It was just one incident in the long, rewarding life of Dr. Norman Wall, who is one of the most compelling, relevant and fascinating 97-year-olds on the planet. Soaring to New Heights – The best glider pilots in North America over the age of 55 recently gathered to compete in the Senior Soaring National Championships. Former fighter pilots and commercial airline pilots call soaring the greatest test of all. How can a 2,000 pound plane with no engine stay aloft for hours flying at 65 miles per hour? Growing Bolder stopped by the final practice round to find out.

11/18: “Find Your Fans”
Why Red Green is White Hot – “The Red Green Show” was one of the longest running series on television. But, years after ending production, the world’s most inventive handyman is still in demand! We caught up with Steve Smith as he embarks on the Wit and Wisdom Tour to find out what makes Red one of TV’s most endearing characters. Ann’s Fans – With all due respect to the dozen former Olympians and more than 1,000 other competitors, the swimmer with the largest and loudest fan support at the U.S. Masters Swimming national championships was a 71-year-old woman from Minnesota named Ann. What’s her story? Find out how she’s inspiring everyone who meets her to keep chasing dreams and to never, ever give up. The Story of Ruth: An Amazing Life – It’s hard to say that a 109-year-old died too soon. But Ruth Hamilton led a full and amazing life. She was simply amazing. Just some of the highlights, she was married to a Major League Baseball player, she was one of the first women to host a radio show, in 1937 she came face to face with Hitler and tried to warn the world, she was the first woman elected to the Legislature from New Hampshire, and those are just a few of the things that made Ruth a national treasure.

11/25: “Boomer Babes”
Big River Man – The world’s most prolific endurance swimmer is 53-year-old Martin Strel, a man you’ve probably never heard of. Strel once swam for 84 hours non-stop covering miles 313 miles in the Danube River. His most famous swim is the entire length of the Amazon — the largest, longest and the most dangerous river in the world. Strel swam 3,278 miles in 66 days through waters that are home to bull sharks, piranha, stingrays, anacondas, electric eels, crocodiles, poisonous snakes and giant catfish that have been known to swallow dogs and children. Old Dogs Can Rock – Mickey Carroll has quite a unique approach to music these days. Back in the 1950s, when he released his first record, being a star was all about ego. And he had reasons to have an ego. He was one half of the doo-wop duo Billy and Mickey, the first white duo to be played on black radio. Now 70, Mickey says he’s found a more rewarding role — musical community activist. Find out what that is and how he’s making a difference in many lives in his community. Boomer Babes – They say the view is better when you’re the lead dog. That’s one reason why more and more women aren’t satisfied with just being a passenger on a motorcycle. They want control, and they’re getting it.

As your PBS station, it is KLRU’s mission to bring people together around important issues. KLRU does this through various educational and outreach initiatives. Our newest effort is a national collaboration called Next Avenue that features resources and an online discussion of issues facing those 50+. As part of that project we are also airing, Growing Bolder Sundays at 10:30 am on KLRU. Growing Bolder delivers empowering stories that inspire audiences of all ages to believe that it’s never too late to achieve their dreams. It features stories of masters athletes, cancer survivors, musicians, health experts, entrepreneurs and more.

Upcoming episodes:

10/7: “Fun and Funky”
A Mom Who Walks On Water – As a teen, Karen Putz lost her hearing while barefoot water skiing. More than 25 years passed, but her desire to get back on her feet kept burning within. Some family members told her she was too old. But Karen had rediscovered her passion. Keep on Rocking – Meet the Bats, a popular Kentucky group that regularly sells out its gigs and always leaves the audience laughing. See why they’re inspired to keep on rocking the stage, even if they still have day jobs. This WASP Still Stings – Betty Wall Strohfus was one of a handful of female pilots in World War II. After the war, she thought that part of her life was over. She was in her 70s when she felt compelled to honor her fellow WASPs by telling her story. Now at 91, she’s more proud and passionate than ever, and she’s one of the feistiest people you’ll ever meet!

10/14: “Better Together”
One Lap at a Time – Susan Helmrich is one of the best swimmers in the world in her age group. She’s also a three-time cancer survivor and a victim of one of the greatest drug tragedies in history. With luck, determination, great medical care, the support of family and friends and the benefits of the sport of swimming, Susan has fought to escape the deadly legacy of a supposed wonder drug turned nightmare. Meet the Hornman! – Bill Nemoyten was a music educator for most of his life. So why would that change when he retired? Instead, he bought an RV, packed up his wife and his collection of 16 different types of horns and set out from his home in the San Francisco Bay Area on a never-ending mission to share his passion for horns with anyone who will listen. Now, he is known far and wide as… The Hornman! The Couple That Sweats Together Stays Together – Triathlons are hard enough, but imagine competing against your spouse! Carol and Joe Neal recently celebrated their 40th anniversary, and their relationship is as strong as their bodies.

10/21: “Still Having Fun”
Orleans: They’re Still Having Fun – Think you know music? Who sang “Still the One,” “Dance With Me” and “Love Takes Time?” Orleans was the band, but who was the singer? Leave it to Growing Bolder to introduce you to one of the most recognized voices but least-known names in music. In for the Long Haul – Siphiwe Baleka is a one-of-a-kind Yale graduating, globetrotting, God-fearing, truck-driving, fast-swimming family man. And he’s got a new mission — to help long-haul truckers everywhere improve their health, fitness and quality of life. Conversations of a Lifetime – We all have a tale to tell, and that’s the premise of NPR’s Story Corps. We take you inside an amped up Airstream that’s a one-of-a-kind time capsule and it’s helping people across the U.S. leave a priceless legacy for future generations.

10/28: “A Beautiful View”
Finding His Purpose Late in Life – Artist Robert Sutz is a messenger for beautiful people filled with horrific memories. Sutz, 82, is creating what he calls irrefutable evidence of one of the darkest chapters in human history — the Holocaust. He calls it proof for those who don’t believe and a painful reminder to those who might forget. Life From the View of a Canoe – Rod Price was a successful businessman, but he wasn’t happy. Then he discovered his passion in the grueling endurance sport of Adventure Canoeing. Now, more than 200 wins later, he has rediscovered his zest for life, and at 51, he has never been happier. King of the Road – An unlikely corporate icon, Bruce Rossmeyer parlayed street smarts and a willingness to gamble into a major business empire. In a GB exclusive, we visited Rossmeyer shortly before his tragic death and found a man motivated not by money, but by fun.

As your PBS station, it is KLRU’s mission to bring people together around important issues. KLRU does this through various educational and outreach initiatives. Our newest effort is a national collaboration called Next Avenue that features resources and an online discussion of issues facing those 50+. As part of that project we are also airing, Growing Bolder Sundays at 10:30 am on KLRU. Growing Bolder delivers empowering stories that inspire audiences of all ages to believe that it’s never too late to achieve their dreams. It features stories of masters athletes, cancer survivors, musicians, health experts, entrepreneurs and more.

Upcoming episodes:

9/9: “No Strings Attached”
No Strings Attached? – Musicians strive for perfection. That means their instruments must be flawless. But good luthiers are very hard to find. See what makes Saul Cornell the most important member of any string section, even though he doesn’t play a note. International Celebrity: Rachel Veitch – “How’s Rachel? Is Chariot Still Running?” We get the questions daily. Rachel, of course, is Rachel Veitch, the hard-driving, gun-toting, America-loving nonagenarian who became an international celebrity after we told her story. How’s she doing? For starters, she’s a little nervous to have Marc behind the wheel of her beloved Chariot. But she’s also getting ready for a little body work of her own. She shares her busy plans for the coming months (you could say she’s on a bit of a media blitz) and she answers the question everyone wants to know: how many miles are on Chariot now? Skydivers Over Sixty Smash World Record – Growing Bolder is something anyone can do. Knitters. Dancers. Writers. Painters. Entrepreneurs. This is how skydivers do it. It’s one of the most inspiring, empowering and unforgettable world records ever, and only Growing Bolder was there to document it.

9/16: “Don’t Stop Believing”
Food and Family – Isabella Morgia di Vicari has two passions — food and family. They’ve always been her recipe for happiness. When Isabella had a midlife crisis, she didn’t come out swinging — she came out cooking. *Miss Matchmaker – Driven by a fear of failure, Michelle Valentine learned to light the spark of passion, not just in herself, but in others as well. Her success in creating a world-class dating service helped her to a clear understanding of how to help others build powerful relationships of all kinds. Don’t Stop Believin’ – The recession has led to difficult times for a lot of people, including 48-year-old Don Cupo. A year ago, he had lost his job and his optimism. But then he decided to take action and a leap of faith. He enrolled at the nation’s second largest university to pursue his passion — film and music. And since he was already being bold, he decided to chase another dream. He tried out for and made the marching band. Now he’s pushing himself in ways he never thought possible, and he’s got a message for anyone who’s lost hope — don’t stop believing. Taking the Plunge – More times than not, the one thing that gets in the way of trying something new is fear! What if there was a way to eliminate it? Would you be willing to try something like scuba diving? Find out how taking risks in life can bring you more rewards than you imagined.

9/23: “Making Memories”
The Faces That Made Norman Rockwell Famous – Norman Rockwell was our nation’s most beloved artist. He had always used professional models until he moved next door to the Edgerton family. Their faces are immortalized in some of the artist’s most beloved works. Inside the Folk Den – Since 1995, Byrds founder Roger McGuinn has worked to keep the legacy of American folk music alive. Every month, he records a song for his Grammy-nominated Folk Den project. This is an exclusive inside look. Clothes That Never Go Out of Fashion – They say if you hold onto clothes long enough, they’ll be back in fashion. But some of the really trendy stuff is hot for one season and never heard from again. And then there are the classics. As a young woman 40 years ago, Joan DesCombes bought clothes from one of the hottest designers in the world, and those outfits still hang in her closet today. She recently shared her stunning collection of vintage Yves Saint Laurent fashions to prove that some pieces — and looks — are made to stand the test of time.

9/30: “Pursuit of Passion”
The Purpose and Beauty of Birds of Prey – They are two of the most under-appreciated groups around — birds of prey and the people who dedicate their lives to helping them. Find out what made Carol McCorkle and her husband change careers to educate us on the plight of raptors, and see how their Avian Reconditioning Center has become a big part of their outreach. The Power of Persistence – It’s the definitive American success story. See a need, fill it and make millions. Of course, it’s never that easy. But it can be done. Patrick Gottsch is living proof. Eight years of having doors slammed in his face didn’t keep this former farmer from building a global media network. The Sky’s the Limit – What would you do if you had all the money in the world and a whole lifetime to spend it? Kermit Weeks realized early on that for him, the sky’s the limit. Literally. He now owns the largest private airplane collection in the world. But it wasn’t until recently that he realized the planes were just a vehicle to help him reach his true destiny.

As your PBS station, it is KLRU’s mission to bring people together around important issues. KLRU does this through various educational and outreach initiatives. Our newest effort is a national collaboration called Next Avenue that features resources and an online discussion of issues facing those 50+. As part of that project we are also airing, Growing Bolder Sundays at 10:30 am on KLRU. Growing Bolder delivers empowering stories that inspire audiences of all ages to believe that it’s never too late to achieve their dreams. It features stories of masters athletes, cancer survivors, musicians, health experts, entrepreneurs and more.

8/05: Mind Over Matter
Jennifer Field was 17 when a car accident left her comatose with a severe brain injury. Few expected her to survive. But she did. Fewer expected any kind of recovery. And it HAS been a battle, step by agonizing step, for nearly 20 years. Now, she travels the country, performing a one-woman show, re-living her story so that others who’ve suffered traumatic brain injuries never lose hope.

8/12: Quite Confidence
The expression “less is more” has never been more true. Women are taking it off, to turn it back on! Boudoir photography is hot, in more ways that one! And it’s not just those young, skinny 20-somethings, it’s women in mid-life and beyond who are giving their all, well, just about, to prove that age is irrelevant!

8/19: No Limits
Triathlete Tony Handler Tony Handler isn’t supposed to be here. Twenty-five years ago, he was diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer and given two years to live. That same year, he completed his first triathlon. After that, the cancer attacked his liver, prostate and thyroid glands but he’s beat them all back. His story will inspire you to keep on fighting, no matter what life throws your way.

8/26: Big Impact
It may be music to your ears but it’s actually fuel for your brain. Many studies concur — one of the best ways to exercise your brain is by learning to play a musical instrument. As you’ll see, you don’t have to be Mozart to be the maestro of your mind!

As your PBS station, it is KLRU’s mission to bring people together around important issues. KLRU does this through various educational and outreach initiatives. Our newest effort is a national collaboration called Next Avenue that features resources and an online discussion of issues facing those 50+. As part of that project we are also airing, Growing Bolder Sundays at 10:30 am on KLRU. Growing Bolder delivers empowering stories that inspire audiences of all ages to believe that it’s never too late to achieve their dreams. It features stories of masters athletes, cancer survivors, musicians, health experts, entrepreneurs and more.

Upcoming episodes:

7/1: Born to Dance
In this week’s episode, we show you how men and women are leaping, twirling and inventing their way into happy lives; featuring a pole vault champion and a visit to the National Funeral Directors Convention. Plus, author Barbara Hannah Grufferman takes on the anti-aging industry in this week’s Growing Bolder With… and we feature the legendary Dennis McCoy of BMX fame in How Are You Growing Bolder?

7/8: Taking Second Chances
In this episode we honor those who never give up, despite setbacks and obstacles; featuring Oprah Winfrey’s personal makeup artist and a Paralympic athlete. Plus, we talk to Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Roger McGuinn about the stories behind the Byrds in Growing Bolder With…, and we feature Bungee Jill’s amazing birthday celebration in How Are You Growing Bolder?

7/15: Famous Footsteps
In this episode, we celebrate celebrity look-alikes, people who survived despite incredible odds, and prove that taking big chances can lead to big rewards; featuring a Beatle’s mega-fan and visit to FL for Biketoberfest.

7/22: Living in Harmony
In this episode, we explore exquisite creativity, magic through music and the power of a little horse to make a big difference; featuring artists Bob Rafkin, Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson, and a trip to FX International convention.

7/29: Unforgettable and Inspirational
In this episode, we explore beauty in the odd; and odd people who make the world more beautiful; featuring a Tour de France cycling star and the Orlando Magic Silver Stars.

As your PBS station, it is KLRU’s mission to bring people together around important issues. KLRU does this through various educational and outreach initiatives. Our newest effort is a national collaboration called Next Avenue that features resources and an online discussion of issues facing those 50+. As part of that project we are also airing, Growing Bolder Sundays at 10:30 am on KLRU. Growing Bolder delivers empowering stories that inspire audiences of all ages to believe that it’s never too late to achieve their dreams. It features stories of masters athletes, cancer survivors, musicians, health experts, entrepreneurs and more.

Upcoming episodes:

May 6 – “A Beautiful View”
Finding His Purpose Late in Life – Artist Robert Sutz is a messenger for beautiful people filled with horrific memories. Sutz, 82, is creating what he calls irrefutable evidence of one of the darkest chapters in human history — the Holocaust. He calls it proof for those who don’t believe and a painful reminder to those who might forget. Life From the View of a Canoe – Rod Price was a successful businessman, but he wasn’t happy. Then he discovered his passion in the grueling endurance sport of Adventure Canoeing. Now, more than 200 wins later, he has rediscovered his zest for life, and at 51, he has never been happier. King of the Road – An unlikely corporate icon, Bruce Rossmeyer parlayed street smarts and a willingness to gamble into a major business empire. In a GB exclusive, we visited Rossmeyer shortly before his tragic death and found a man motivated not by money, but by fun.

May 13 – “Little Miracles”
Three Promises – One moment Carolyn and Chad Moor were celebrating their love. The next, he lay dying, the victim of a hit-and-run car accident. During their final moments, Carolyn made three promises that she’s spent many years and tears trying to keep. Hers is a story of Growing Bolder in the face of heartbreaking loss. See how she learned to live and even laugh again and how her story even caught the attention of Oprah Winfrey. Enjoying Life’s Little Miracles – She’s not really an athlete. She’s a retired biologist who loves adventure. That’s why 96-year-old Mary Anne Cooper traveled from British Columbia to Arizona to compete in the U.S. Masters Swimming National Championships. Mary Anne isn’t trying to be a role model or set an example, but with every stroke, she’s doing just that. She even inspired her 70-year-old daughter to also compete at Nationals. Free Throw King – Andy McGuffin is the best there is. Mr. Automatic. The Free Throw King once made 400 in a row. Bill Shafer goes one-on-one with Andy to learn the secrets to his success.

May 27 – “Find Your Fans”
Why Red Green is White Hot – “The Red Green Show” was one of the longest running series on television. But, years after ending production, the world’s most inventive handyman is still in demand! We caught up with Steve Smith as he embarks on the Wit and Wisdom Tour to find out what makes Red one of TV’s most endearing characters. Ann’s Fans – With all due respect to the dozen former Olympians and more than 1,000 other competitors, the swimmer with the largest and loudest fan support at the U.S. Masters Swimming national championships was a 71-year-old woman from Minnesota named Ann. What’s her story? Find out how she’s inspiring everyone who meets her to keep chasing dreams and to never, ever give up. The Story of Ruth: An Amazing Life – It’s hard to say that a 109-year-old died too soon. But Ruth Hamilton led a full and amazing life. She was simply amazing. Just some of the highlights, she was married to a Major League Baseball player, she was one of the first women to host a radio show, in 1937 she came face to face with Hitler and tried to warn the world, she was the first woman elected to the Legislature from New Hampshire, and those are just a few of the things that made Ruth a national treasure.

John Stark was 60 years old when he went back to college for a master’s degree in journalism after 40 years as a writer and editor at newspapers and magazines. John knew he would need an advanced degree in order to join a college faculty, if he chose to further his career by becoming a teacher.

In a photography class, John’s professor was presenting a series of iconic images; one was a famous photograph that John recognized right away. The professor asked the students how the photographer had managed to get the lighting just right.

John raised his hand. “If you sit someplace long enough, you’ll eventually get what you want,” he said.

“And what’s that supposed to mean?” the professor asked.

“I’m just saying what Ansel Adams told me when I asked him that question,” John replied.

John is just one of the writers and contributors with full life experiences who is creating content for Next Avenue a new public television website focused on America’s booming over-50 population. Like many people his age, John has a wealth of experience and, at the same time, is exploring new chapters every day.

Next Avenue is an inclusive, vibrant, and congenial gathering room for curious learners to come together, discover, and explore a constellation of trustworthy, inspirational, entertaining, and actionable content specifically tailored to the concerns and interests of the 50+ generation.

The website publishes articles and blog posts from top experts and leading journalists on the topics most important to baby boomers, such as: Money & Security, Living & Learning, Caregiving, Work & Purpose and Health & Well-Being. The website features videos, e-newsletters, and opportunities to connect with others on these and other important issues.

It aims to make sense of the impact of developing news and points to critical information and concrete actions in a way that mirrors the intelligence, thoughtfulness, curiosity, and vitality of our audience. Next Avenue is devoted to helping all adults live the lives they aspire to.

What does the future look like to you? Log on to klru.org/nextavenue to contribute your voice to the discussion. We can’t wait to hear from you.